A KNOWLE hairdresser has started a new viral internet trend which is flooding social media across the globe in aid of Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
Dubbed the ‘three minute challenge’ Theo Georgio came up with the idea to raise much-needed funds for the hospital which has cared for his 14-year-old son who has had a heart condition since birth.
Sotiri was diagnosed with Pulmonary Atresia, where blood cannot flow between the right ventricle into the lungs to pick up oxygen, shortly after he was born in December 2003 and had his first of several operations when he was just three days old.
Theo said: “Without the help and support from the Hospital I don’t know where he would be today.
“He has had more than seven heart operations and procedures since birth and even now at the age of 14 he is still making visits and will do so for the rest of his life.”
With this in mind the owner of the High Street salon has challenged fellow hairdressers to create as many hair styles as they can in three minutes and post a video of them doing it online before nominating two others to complete it and donate.
When he launched the challenge with his video and styles three weeks ago Theo had set out to raise £500 but this has more than tripled as current donations stand at around £1,900.
He said he would love to be able to reach £10,000.
Theo said: “I remember when we were at the hospital with Sotiri when he was younger I got speaking to a member of the fundraising team outside and they said they were trying to raise £20,000 for a piece of equipment.
“All I remember thinking was ‘Why do they have to fundraise for £20,000?’
“This is my way of not only saying thank you to the hospital but also a way to help them care for, help and support those who need it most.”
Stylists from local salons in Knowle, Solihull Hall and Hall Green along with some from further afield including London, Cornwall, Australia and America are getting involved.
A Hall Green barbers has even got on board in a bid to help raise funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
Theo said: “It’s fantastic the three minute challenge has taken off and made its way around the world in such a short amount of time.
“It’s brilliant that hairdressers from all over the country and world are getting involved with an idea I thought up to raise as much money for the hospital as possible.”
To follow the challenge search for Theo Georgio on Facebook.
For more or to donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/theo-georgio
